Celtics Cover at Home: Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Game 1 Picks, Odds, Injury Report for 5/21/24

This is the Celtics’ fifth Eastern Conference Finals appearance during the Jayson Tatum era. Meanwhile, the Pacers are making their first Conference Finals appearance since losing to the Heat in 2014. Our Celtics vs Pacers prediction is available below!

The Celtics are favorites with an implied probability of 82% to win this one at 1.22 odds, while the Pacers are available at 4.50 odds. The point spread is +/-10.0 points, and the total points line is at 221.5.

The Boston Celtics will battle the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. For more NBA picks from Agbeniga Ayobami and other basketball experts, visit our Expert Insights section.

Celtics vs Pacers Picks and Prediction: Levels to the Game 

• Selections: Celtics -10.0
• Odds: 1.90
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Odds are available as of May 21st, 2024. Odds may now differ.

The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last 4 playoff games against the Pacers. Given their rest, edge at forward, and stronger defense, the Celtics are expected to win, even without Porzingis, due to the Pacers’ lack of size.

Celtics vs Pacers Game Info

• Date: Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024
• Time: 03:00 (CET)
• Arena: TD Garden
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Boston Celtics Injury Report, Team News

The Boston Celtics have had a relatively smooth path to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing only two games. Their postseason success has been largely due to strong defensive performances, holding opponents under 100 points in seven out of 10 playoff games. The Celtics have a 4-2 SU record at home in these NBA playoffs.

The Boston Celtics are averaging 108.1 points per game. They shoot 48% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc, and 79.6% from the free throw line. They are allowing 96.7 points per game, 44.9% from the field and 33.8% from deep.

The Celtics are 47-40-5 ATS and have covered 60% (6-4) of their playoff games.  The Celtics have covered 55.6% (25-20-2) of games as a home team and have also covered 100.0% (3-0-1) of games after 4+ days off. Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of this clash with a calf injury. On the other hand, Xavier Tillman is questionable due to personal reasons. 

Indiana Pacers Injury Report, Team News

The Indiana Pacers secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Knicks in a thrilling seven-game series. Despite doubts, the Pacers believed in themselves and bounced back from a 0-2 deficit, going 3-1 in the next four games to force Game 7. The Pacers have won 4 of their last 5 games and hold a 2-5 SU record on the road in these NBA playoffs.

The Indiana Pacers are averaging 114.2 points per game. They shoot 50.7% from the field, 38.1% from beyond the arc, and 72.7% from the charity stripe. The Indiana Pacers are allowing 110.8 points per game, from 46.7% field points and 36.8% shooting from deep. The Pacers are 51-42-3 ATS and have covered 53.8% (7-6) of their games in the playoffs. The Pacers are 16-13-1 ATS as away underdogs. Bennedict Mathurin was ruled out of the season a few months ago after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Celtics vs Pacers Betting Trends

• The Celtics are 47-40-5 ATS.
• The Pacers are 51-42-3 ATS.
• The Celtics have covered 60% (6-4) of their playoff games. 
• The Celtics have covered 55.6% (25-20-2) of games as a home team. 
• The Pacers have covered 53.8% (7-6) of their games in the playoffs
• The Pacers are 16-13-1 ATS as away underdogs. 
• The Celtics have covered 100.0% (3-0-1) of games after 4+ days off. 

Celtics vs Pacers H2H 

The Pacers and Celtics have met 223 times—both the regular season and playoffs. The Pacers have won 97 and the Celtics have 126 wins in those games. The Celtics won the last game between them, 129-124.

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